In recent years, kayaks have grown in popularity.  They are relatively inexpensive.   There are enough different models that it is not difficult to  find one that fits your needs.  You get good exercise propelling it by paddle or pedal driven flippers or propeller.  You can set one up with all the conveniences of home or keep it fairly plain and simple.  Other boaters have seen so many of them that they should know how to approach  them- whether to slow down or maintain speed, etc.).  And they are fun.

I am not a kayaker.  With an artificial knee and an artificial hip, getting out of one could be tough.  Besides, I have a small jon boat that can go in really skinny water.  Some kayaks do have fairly high seats and even stand-up capabilities, lending themselves to fly fishing.  But even then, fly fishing from kayaks is tough.

Many fly anglers have them but many of those do not fly fish from them as much as they could.  That is understandable.  Fly fishing from a seated position can be challenging.  But I fear some kayak owners who are fly anglers let it go at that and never carry a fly rod with them.

This is a mistake.  Fortunately, there is an alternative.  On our full moon and new moon tides, kayakers are missing some of the premier marsh fishing for tailing reds.  When these tides arrive, paddle or pedal into the marsh.  Tall marsh usually means there is very soft ground underneath.  But short marsh usually means there is hard ground below.  Stake out your kayak and stalk the fish on foot. Usually the water will be well below your knees.  Instead of fishing from your kayak, you can fish beside your kayak.  As the tide starts to recede, you can return to your kayak and retreat to deeper water, even to the point of setting up just outside the marsh to catch the reds as the falling tide drives them out.

While frowned upon by some purists, you can troll with a fly rod while on the move.  Select a topwater or slow-sinking fly, cast it out and start paddling or pedaling.  Just make sure your fly rod is secure and the drag set lightly or a nice fish could pull it out of the boat and that would not be a good ending.

Don’t forget to check out the resources of Fly Fishers International at www.flyfishersinternational.org.

Also, Google this and other topics of interest and go to YouTube for seemingly endless videos.